Cool cyclocross vid.
 

I'd like to try this one day...
<object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8249685&amp;server=vimeo.com &amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portr ait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8249685&amp;server=vimeo.com &amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portr ait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8249685">2009 Bay State Cyclocross Sterling, MA</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1593560">Peter Bradshaw</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

Definitely fun, this was my first year for it and I am hooked. The culture is much more relaxed than road racing or tri, plus everyone drinks beer together after the race!!

wtf?

i can see how you must be in great shape to win that!

I've always wanted to try that. Cool video.

'Cross ROCKS!!! Zero to heart rate redline in about 90 seconds! Run, ride, jump! Absolutely love it!

Come to Oregon next year, the nationals will be in Bend (again)! Cyclocross is getting huge out here.

angela

Hey Angela,

Does one really need a cross bike to ride like this?

I have an old Columbus SL road frame and 9-spd Ultegra and wheels somewhere around that I could cobble together.

I mean, I know cross bikes have a bit longer wheelbase, but otherwise, aren't they more or less roadbikes with wider tires?

I really wanted to do that back in the day, but now I'd be much happier on my hard tail MTB.

Cross bikes have a few subtle differences to better deal with mud, like cantilevered brakes and cables routed from above rather than under the bottom bracket (other tricks include reversing the break levers so you can rear brake while doing a dismount on the left side; single front chainring is also fairly common). You could do a race on a road bike if it was a dry, hard packed course; but, any more than a little puddle of mud would probably start to make things even rougher. A mountain bike (preferably stripped of unnecessary weight) would work better if the course is muddy.

That said, its a hoot, so don't let your equipment make you feel like you can't try it. Do practice dismounts, barrier hops and remounts beforehand (there are some how to videos on youtube); its amazing how much you can speed up your laps by doing those with a degree of smoothness.

Amazes me how Zipps have found their way to cyclocross....

Looks like fun, a few jumps would be nice but otherwise a nice mix. Beyond that, do they really need to wear the nut-huggers? Why must all these bike/running events scream "look at my junk". :)

Thanks for the explanation. Those are quite a few differences. So is c/f the material of choice with cyclocross or aluminum? I like the bikes actually, because I find mountain bikes too cumbersome in most respects.

I do have a 46/34 or something x-cross crank lurking around. It's a start.

Your obsession with cyclists' "packages" is starting to make me wonder about you, dude. SmileWavy

Cool video. We have a cyclocross team at work. One of these days I'm going to get out there and do it; my excuses (and legs) are getting weaker every year.

This is what it's all about:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1264136342.jpg

For more pics, check here:

Team Paul

FWIW, most members of "Team Paul" ride singlespeeds. Brutal.

I always liked Adam Carolla's question about bikers…
Do you really need the licra outfit, shaved legs, Maui Jim sun glasses, helmet and European markings?

Can swim trunks and flip-flops suffice?

No. And one would quickly find out why after they fall and break their face. SmileWavy

I've always personally been a "steel is real" kind of rider and have a fairly old steel cross bike -- strong and feels/repsonds right. I think many of the new ones use aluminum. Not so sure how much I'd trust c/f with the long-term abuse it would experience in cross racing . . .

So what’s the purpose of the licra outfit, to prevent road rash when you fall :confused:

IF you can fit in it, and IF there are cute girls nearby, you'd find out at least half the purpose. The other half is an extremely well-guarded secret in the cycling community.

Not crashing is the only true prevention to road rash. ;)

Ok, guys, it's time for Team Estrogen to weigh in on this package/lycra/shaved leg issue....

Male cyclists are smokin' hot! The scenery from the back of the pack is positively drool-worthy. Yes, you can ride in baggy mountain bike shorts, but why disappoint us by hiding all-that-is-worthy from view?

OK, all teasing aside, the lycra does serve a purpose in 'cross. It's really easy to get baggy pants hung up on the seat when you are bailing on/off the bike. You'll be doing that at a full run, flicking yourself up and onto the seat. You don't want to get hung by your man-panties half-way over the rear of the seat! If you do, the results are hilarious as you belly flop onto the seat and then crash spectacularly!

Cross bikes? They are purpose built. Mine is a disc brake model but there are quite a few big-clearance rim brake bikes out there. If you want to give this a shot, grab an older road bike with as much clearance at the frame as you can find, put the 'cross tires on and go for it. Not ideal but a helluva alot of fun. Many race organizations allow mountain bikes in certain classes. Some allow mountain bikes in all the classes (but you will be slower than the 'cross bikes). If you're local group allows that, then put the SKINNIEST tires you can on your mountain bike and go have some fun! I usually ran 1.8 on the mountain bike during 'cross season.

The thing about a dedicated 'cross bike is that you find it becomes your general all-around-grab-it-anytime all-purpose bike. So if 'cross turns out to be fun, I'd definately spend the money for a good bike. I ride the cross bike more than any of the other bikes. It's slower than my road bike on pavement (but MUCH faster than my mountain bike), and is rideable on most of the off-road trails I enjoy. It's not good on real technical rock gardens and rides too harshly for a 24 hour mountain bike race. Otherwise, a 'cross bike is a jack of all trades, and master of the cyclocross course.

Frame material? Aluminum or steel compromise almost all of what is commercially available right now for cross bikes. If you can afford a good light steel bike, that's the way I would go. That said, mine is aluminum and nearly all of my buddies (save one) are on aluminum bikes. The subtle nuances of frame material are pretty much lost when you are skidding across mud and throwing the bike over your shoulder. Go for light weight, frame clerance, fit, and geometry.

angela

Just got back from a ride. My friendly local bike shop dude has a nice little 'cross bike that is going on consignment. 54 centimeter Felt. The owner usually rides a 55 or 56 frame but like the 54 fit on this particular bike.

Anyway, a few more days to figure out how much he wants for it but something roughly in the neighborhood of $600 may well take it home.

angela